Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  MM - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By madid - August 11 - 7:32 pm

  do not buy this car ,it has a lot of problem : transmission dies fast , i drove only 20,000 miles and the transmission broke i took it to the dealer and he wanted to charge me 7,000 dollars plus $4,000 for labor.this it happened to my friend too .this car has a lot of sensors problem.its comfortable inside and it has very nice look every body like it but when you buy it you will face the truth.if you want to waist your money and all your saving money buy it. its baaaaaaad car.

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  $42,000 and NO automatic garage door opener - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By TomKM - August 11 - 6:29 pm

  And thats with $7,000 of options, including the Tech Feature Bundle, Sync 3 etc. Cant believe Ford would cheap out on this universally useful feature for its customers.

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  Scoring my Explorer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Bud Denno - August 11 - 5:43 pm

  I purchased my Explorer new in California and have made 5 cross- country trips to the east coast before settling in Maine in 2002. I have had the following major maintenance Replaced ball joints, replaced brakes (front and rear) twice, turned the rotors once and replaced them once. I personally change oil and filter every 3000-4000 miles. I pulled a loaded tandem wheel trailer from Calif. to Maine without incident. The four wheel drive has worked flawlessly (and frequently). Overall, I have been very pleased with the vehicle, however, I must admit that gas mileage is the biggest disadvantage. Around town I average 15-16 MPG and on trips I have gotten 20-21. It is now for sale.

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  2002 excursion limited diesel - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By fmrlo - August 11 - 5:28 pm

  Amazing fuel mileage for such a huge vehicle - Diesel 7.3L. The ultimate travel vehicle - plenty of space, rear air and rear entertainment - lots of cup holders, very smooth on the hiway. I do not have 4wd.

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  I love my escort - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Kelly - August 11 - 4:26 pm

  I really enjoy my escort. I bought it at 33,000 miles. I had no repairs for about a year and that was brakes. Its been a great car. I am outgrowing it. Its great for me, just not big enough for a family of 4.

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  Best Value Ive found - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By vanfan - August 11 - 1:37 pm

  I have an 02 and had a 96 prior. both have been quite reliable. the 02 was only to the dealer 2 times in 3 years (once under warranty). My brother has had his Odyssey in as many times, and paid a WHOLE bunch more for the van. Great for towing our folding camper as well. I highly recommend!

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  lowered its standards - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By No service - August 11 - 1:07 pm

  Ford has dramatically lowered its standard and decreased its quality! The Expedition will look nice and all, but its mechanical build is just nonsense. Almost 600 miles on it in the shop for 4 day now and waiting to see if they can stop it from vibrating at 70mph. Also cold start very rough, they say I may need to wait until the next computer flash? Three new tires on the first visit back hatch is not alighned. Same as my last Ford, Never again!

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  Perfect for me - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert Hinson - August 11 - 11:40 am

  I traded in a 2001 Lincoln LS V8 for my new 500 Limited. My Lincoln only had 18,000 miles on it bit I wanted to trade. I looked at various vehicles and was very interested in the new Buick LaCrosse until I opened the door to the new Ford 500. I am 59 years old and found the easy of entry and exit as the number one selling point of this new vehicle, that along with its very stylish appearance and list of all options, plus ride, quietness and handling as well as power from a V6. I am thoroughly pleased with my new 500 Limited. Ford might not want me to say it, but I actually like my new 500 better than the LS. I have had many compliments on it, even from young people. This is my car!

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  Serious problems ZX2 - 1998 Ford Escort
  By caden - August 11 - 10:43 am

  I have had my 98 ZX2 near 3 years now. Since buying it with 70k on it, after 100,000 seems it started having problems, waterpump, tension pulley has broken off twice, thermostat. Other routine maintence. Pretty expensive to have the timing belt replaced. But the biggest problem is the auto transmission. Have to have it rebuilt and still doesnt shift correctly. Some unknown problem has drained all of my power, i have to have it too the floor to barely get going most of the time. Great sound system though, small and compact, keyless entry only on the driver door is weird though.

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  1998 Ford Taurus-Wagon/Torador Red - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By jo p. neer - August 11 - 6:25 am

  The size & comfort & room n the back would sell this car. Have replaced 95% of parts under hood. Have put upwards of $3,000 in it, which makes it run smoothly and will stretch the usability of vehicle. Would trust to go from coast to coast. Is scratched from dog jumping on it, so could use a paint job, but not necessary, no rust. sliding seats & seats. Automatic windows, very clean. No fading on dash. Has right arm rest, lifts up or down. Back lift & window n perfect condition. Average gas mileage, less n city, more on highway. Good pick-up. Good tires. luggage rack.